Why India want Pakistan to win?

India approach Tuesday's game against the West Indies with a prayer on the lips that Pakistan would somehow prevail over Australia by a big margin.

Written by NDTVSports

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New Delhi:

India approach Tuesday's game against the West Indies with a prayer on the lips that Pakistan would somehow prevail over Australia by a big margin in the day's first game in Centurion.

If it happens, India would need to up their net run-rate dramatically, besides winning the match, to stand a chance of making the last-four stage India presently has a net run-rate of -1.08 whereas Australia has a massive advantage of +1.00 in their favour.

Australia won their opening game against the West Indies by 50 runs and India lost theirs by 54 runs. So if India is to go past Australia's net run-rate, they ought to cover the difference of 104 runs between the two teams.

For instance, if Australia lose their game by 25 runs, India needs to win theirs against the West Indies by 80 runs to prevail and go through to the semi-finals.

However, if Australia bat first and score 250 runs, India need to get their runs inside 40 overs for them to go through.

The semi-final scenario

Current Net Run Rate Australia: +1.00India: -1.08

The difference in NRRs is 104 runs

How to pip the Aussies?

IF AUS CHASE AND INDIA BAT FIRST

If Australia loss to Pakistan by 50 runs, India have to beat West Indies by 54 runs

IF AUS BAT FIRST and INDIA CHASE

If Australia and West Indies both score 250 plus, Pakistan and India both need to chase it down in 40 overs.